Douglas Whyte will continue a measured approach with Russian Emperor towards the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m) on 25 March when Hong Kong’s Champion Stayer tackles the G1 Jebel Hatta (1800m) at Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, on Saturday.
Triumphant in the QAT G1 H.H. The Amir Trophy (2400m) at Al Rayyan Racecourse, Qatar on 18 February, Russian Emperor has settled into his new surroundings well, according to Whyte, who exercised the six-year-old in Dubai on Wednesday morning (1 March).
“He’s fine, he went around the track on Wednesday and just did a striding canter and he took a bit of knock for the first couple of days with the travel from Qatar but he’s looking better now.
“He was on a plane pretty much straight after the race and he flew to Dubai, so it took a bit out of him, but nothing of any significance. His weight is back up to where we like it, he’s bright – I’m very happy with him.”
Dropping in distance and facing high-class opposition, Russian Emperor will seek success in his fifth different jurisdiction after previous wins in Ireland, England, Hong Kong and Qatar, but Whyte will use this weekend’s outing as a springboard into the Dubai Sheema Classic.
“This weekend’s race is not the main goal. Obviously, our main goal is the Sheema Classic but I wanted him to go around this weekend, have a look at the track and hopefully be competitive but I can’t see him winning a race like that – it’s purely a stepping stone for the Sheema Classic.”
Alberto Sanna retains the mount on Russian Emperor and also unites with Caspar Fownes-trained Senor Toba in the G2 Dubai City Of Gold (2410m) at Meydan on Saturday night.
Seventh behind Russian Emperor in Qatar, Senor Toba is also being set for the Dubai Sheema Classic and Fownes expects the grey to be much better suited over 2410m this weekend.
The gelding is set to be among four Hong Kong runners – Russian Emperor, Sky Field and Sight Success – at the Dubai World Cup meeting.
The G1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) is the objective for Fownes-trained Sky Field and John Size’s Sight Success. - Hong Kong Jockey Club